@Alexey That seems much better quality than a cheap Chinese transformer, which I don’t trust much (the one I used to have hummed until I hit it!). However it still outputs 110V while Japan uses 100V. May be within tolerance, idk, but still worth noting.
Just quoting my old post from this thread for future reference, since it’s a bit more on-topic here:
I had previously bought a cheap Chinese 230V-110V step-down transformer for my turboR, which works, but because Japan actually uses 100V I was supplying too much voltage to the machine. It’s within the allowed 10% margin, but it seems better for the longevity of the machine to give it a proper supply voltage. Also, I didn’t have much confidence in the safety of the Chinese transformer, there are plenty of scary stories on the net, and mine hums sometimes until I hit it (!). So, prompted by a mail conversation with Neo I started looking for a proper transformer.
Because Japan is pretty much the only country using 100V, it’s hard to find European-made step-down transformers to that voltage. However on the Japanese market they are easier to find, I ended up ordering the UT-130E, Made in Japan and it has overcurrent and thermal protection so it’s safe to use. Also its peak supply is 130W which should be more than enough for MSX.
You can find it on Rakuten, log in with your country and it will show you which shops will ship to your country, for me there were two shops which were shipping it abroad. I bought it from the sacom (海外電気CLUB) shop.
The step-down transformer itself cost €35, after adding shipping (€24), commision (€11) and import taxes (€12 + €18 handling fees) it set me back €100 in total.
I received it today, it seems to be doing its job, in silence, with the proper supply voltage and my peace of mind :).
And a recent update:
Since unfortunately the Rakuten Global Market site is shutting down next month, here is a link to the UT130E on the Sacom shop on the Japanese Rakuten site for future reference. You can still order there internationally, albeit less conveniently because you have to browse in Japanese.
You can also buy from Rakuten via proxy services like Buyee and FromJapan.
I was actually able to buy a used one on https://www.amazon.co.jp/ユニバーサルウィング-海外旅行用変圧器-UT-130E/dp/B000WAS7F8/ for under €30 including shipping to NL. It is reportedly fully functional and only some minor scratches. There are more available still but at a bit higher price (but still cheaper than new).
Good work and excellent idea, it would have been very useful when I was looking before buying the UT-130E, and assess the final cost 102€. All inclusive. UT-130E End Price 102.22€
